Lake County’s 16 Best Summer Wine Dinners

The wait is over: Summer wine dinner season is here, and Lake County is ready to uncork all the bottles for every kind of date night. No matter your preference — cozy and intimate, open to the whole family — the wineries scattered throughout Lake County have a summer wine dinner that’s ready to be your perfect pairing.

Of course, with a number of wine dinners already on the books, sifting through the impressive lineup can get overwhelming. Luckily, we’ve done the hard part for you. Ahead, find Lake County’s best wine dinners grouped by the type of night you’re looking for, whether it be a romantic night for two, a family night out, or a rockin’, music-filled summer soiree. 

Just a heads up, be sure to reserve your spot as soon as possible, as these wine dinners are in high demand and likely to fill up fast. And just to drop a pro tip: Make a weekend of it! With a variety of places to rest your head and tons to see and do between pours, you and yours are in for a grape escape.

For a Romantic Night Out: Six Sigma Ranch

Mmm, steak. Nothing sets the mood quite like splitting a slab of perfectly grilled beef or lamb with your sweetie. Of course, at Six Sigma Ranch’s Ranch-to-Table Dinner series, you don’t have to share, giving you and your S.O. more meat, sides, and treats to love. In addition to a cocktail hour and passed hors d’oeuvre, you’ll be treated to a three-course dinner, each paired with Six Sigma wines. So saddle up, slow down, and savor the ranch-raised fare — as well as each other. (These dinners also make for great group night outs too … we’re just saying.)

Ranch-to-Table Dinner #1: Saturday, June 18, 5-8:30 p.m.

Ranch-to-Table Dinner #2: Saturday, July 23, 5-8:30 p.m.

Ranch-to-Table Dinner #3: Saturday, August 27, 5-8:30 p.m.

For Dinner and Dancing: Stonehouse Cellars

Happy hour just got way happier. Because this summer, Stonehouse Cellars is turning things up a notch with Bites, Beats & Barrels — laid-back themed afternoons of sipping, snacking, and dancing that slide into the early evening. June kicks off with Latin Nights, featuring tacos, DJ Cali B spinning Latin beats, and wines flowing by the glass. Knock back that first glass for the antioxidant benefits, and then consider every subsequent pour just fuel for your BB&B dance card. 

The winery is also hosting a couple wine release parties over the summer, each one showcasing new Stonehouse varietals perfect for adding to your rack, room, or cellar. So don’t miss out. 

Bites, Beats & Barrels: Saturday, June 18, 2-7 p.m.

Bites, Beats & Barrels: Saturday, July 16, 2-7 p.m.

Bites, Beats & Barrels: Saturday, August 20, 2-7 p.m.

To Party with the Whole Family: Shannon Ridge Mercantile

Dad’s put in the effort this year. So why not invite him to let loose with the whole family with some great food and a side of live music, courtesy of rockers Beatz Werkin? Perhaps, you’ll even let him request his enduring favorite, “Free Bird,” … again and again.

Beyond Dad’s Day, Shannon Ridge Mercantile is also celebrating the Fourth with a red, white, and barbecue shindig soundtracked to classic oldies from the Funky Dozen. Both parties promise stellar bites, award-winning wines from the family-owned winery, and memories that will last far beyond the season. 

Father’s Day Weekend with music by Beatz Werkin: Saturday, June 18, 4-7 p.m.

Fourth of July Weekend Barbecue with music by the Funky Dozen: Saturday, July 2, 4-7 p.m.

For Foodies Wanting a Cozy Date Night: Saw Shop Public House

Saw Shop Public House prides itself on its comfortable, welcoming M.O., modeled after your favorite pub — you know, the one where everybody knows your name. Thanks to its small-town hospitality, everyone is instant family, and the cozy vibe mixed with elevated comfort food and regional bottles of vino make it an ideal spot for couples looking for a foodie’s night out.

The SSPH also has a couple upcoming wine dinners you should keep on your radar, hosted by top-notch Lake County wineries. Now, we all know you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy local and regional pours — just a glass and good company. Still, don’t sleep on these summer wine sessions.

Shannon Ridge Wine Dinner: Tuesday, July 12, 6-9 p.m. 

Sol Rouge Wine Dinner: Tuesday, August 2, 6-9 p.m. 

For a Second Hometown Honeymoon: Blue Wing Saloon

Love feeling like you’re both down home and uptown all at once? Welcome to the Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe. Tucked into the Tallman Hotel* in Upper Lake, this drinking hole is a re-creation of the town’s original saloon built in the late 19th century, updated with a verdant garden and comfortable veranda. This summer, the garden will set the scene for a slate of themed wine dinners, pouring and serving only the good stuff.

First up is the Winemaker Dinner with Chacewater, boasting a four-course flight of fine wines, fresh-caught surf, and olive oils from the winery’s on-site olive mill. The following month, conjure the spirits of Mendocino as chef Pablo Aguilar pairs the distillery’s finest with suitable cuisine. And come August, Blue Wing Saloon is partnering with Langtry Farms for a dinner accented with Napa wines and relaxing piano music.

Winemaker Dinner with Chacewater: Wednesday, June 15, 6-8 p.m.

Whiskey Dinner with Mendocino Spirits: Wednesday, July 20, 6-8:30 p.m.

Winemaker Dinner with Langtry Farms: Wednesday, August 17, 6-8:30 p.m.

 *The hotel is offering a 10% discount on hotel rooms to people buying tickets to the dinners (but be sure to book over the phone to get the discount).

For a Rockin’ Summer Night: Cache Creek Vineyards

There’s a bad moon on the rise, and it can only mean a damn, good time. Band together this summer for sizzling nights at Cache Creek Vineyards, brimming with tunes, lots of food, and even more estate-grown wines. Musical acts for the summer concert series include an Eagles and Creedence Clearwater Revival band, Tyler Rich, and more.

No luck with the sitter? Gather the kids and go whole hog with live music and a traditional luau celebrating the K-8th wrestling program. 

Summer Concert Series, Eagles and CCR Tribute Concert: Friday, June 24, 6-10 p.m.

Summer Concert Series, Tyler Rich Featuring Nick Tyrrel: Saturday, July 30, 6-10 p.m.

Benefit Concert and Luau for The Gladiators: Saturday, July 9, 5-9:30 p.m.